BURNLEY’S Tory general election candidate has been reported to the police over an alleged breach of electoral law.

Paul White was quoted in an interview claiming Conservative progress. He said: “When you go to things like postal vote openings you get a good gauge for things.”

Labour agent Mark Townsend said: “I have asked the police to look into what I believe is a serious breach of election law and a blatant attempt to use information that should be secret to influence how people vote in Burnley at the election.”

A police spokesperson said: “We have been made aware of the complaint and are currently looking into it to assess whether any criminal offences have been committed.”

Mr White said: "This is a desperate, last ditch attempt to prevent the Labour Party from an embarrassing loss in Burnley. The police have not contacted me.”

Liberal Democrat candidate Gordon Birtwistle said: “Cllr Townsend is absolutely right. We are thinking of doing the same.”